1.) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more
minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3.) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something,
and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing
usually end in fine.

4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5.) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement
often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an
idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing
with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman
can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard
before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7.) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say
you're welcome.

8.) Whatever : Is a women's way of saying FYOU!

9.) Don't worry about it, I'll do it: Another dangerous statement, meaning
this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but
is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's
wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.Then you RUN!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by theintestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

We all know that money can't buy happiness - but many times we act as if we'd be happier with a bit more money. We are conditioned to want to be rich (when we know the rich aren't happy either); we are trained to want the latest gadget or style that television tells us to want; we want to earn more money because then we'll have the good life.

But none of that will bring us happiness. No matter how much we earn, no matter how much we have in the bank, no matter how nice our clothing or cars or toys, none of it will make us happier. And the sad thing is that it could take us decades of pursuing wealth and luxury items before we realize this.

So what will bring us happiness? Luckily, it's three things that don't cost a thing. These three things have been prove by research - surveys of hundreds of thousands of people about what they have, what their lives are like, and how happy they are.

Here they are, the Three Secrets to Happiness:

Good relationships:

We have a human need to be close, to be intimate, with other human beings. Having good, supportive friendships, a strong marriage or close and loving relationships with our family members will make us much more likely to be happy. Action steps: Take time, today, to spend time with your loved ones, to tell them what they mean to you, to listen to them, and develop your relationship with them.

Positive thinking:

I'm obviously a big proponent of positive thinking as the best way to achieve your goals, but it turns out that it can lead to happiness too. Optimism and self-esteem are some of the best indicators of people who lead happy lives. Happy people feel empowered, in control of their lives, and have a positive outlook on life. Action steps: Make positive thinking a habit. In fact, this should be one of the first habits you develop. Get into the habit of squashing all negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Instead of "I can't" think "I can". It may sound corny, but it has worked for me, every time.

Flow:

This is a popular concept on the Internet these days - the state we enter when we are completely focused on the work or task before us. We are so immersed in our task that we lose track of time. Having work and leisure that gets you in this state of flow will almost undoubtedly lead to happiness. People find greatest enjoyment not when they're passively mindless, but when they're absorbed in a mindful challenge. Action steps: Find work that you're passionate about. Seriously - this is an extremely important step. Find hobbies that you're passionate about. Turn off the TV - this is the opposite of flow - and get outside and do something that truly engages you.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

A nice holey cheese, like Emmenthal, is not just good for your bones, it even resembles their internal structure. And like most cheeses, it is a rich source of calcium, a vital ingredient for strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Together with another mineral called phosphate, it provides the main strength in bones but also helps to power muscles. Getting enough calcium in the diet during childhood is crucial for strong bones. A study at Columbia University in New York showed teens who increased calcium intake from 800mg a day to 1200mg equal to an extra two slices of cheddar - boosted their bone density by six per cent.

Root ginger, commonly sold in supermarkets, often looks just like the stomach.

So it's interesting that one of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion.

The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea, while it is also a popular remedy for motion sickness. But the benefits could go much further. Tests on mice at the University of Minnesota found injecting the chemical that gives ginger its flavour slowed down the growth rate of bowel tumours.

The popular fruit banana contains a protein called tryptophan.
Once it has been digested, tryptophan then gets converted in a chemical neurotransmitter called serotonin. This is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and most anti-depressant drugs work by adjusting levels of serotonin production. Higher levels are associated with better moods.

Slice a mushroom in half and it resembles the shape of the human ear. And guess what? Adding it to your cooking could actually improve your hearing. That's because mushrooms are one of the few foods in our diet that contain vitamin D.

This particular vitamin is important for healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.

THE FACT: Caffeine is known more as a pick-me up than a home remedy, but for years scientists have wondered whether it may have benefits for people with asthma.

The suspicion stems in part from its chemical structure, which resembles that of theophylline, a common asthma medication that relaxes the airway muscles and relieves wheezing, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems. Indeed, when caffeine is ingested and broken down by the liver, one byproduct is small amounts of theophylline.
Roasted coffee beans, a common source of caffeine

In a 2007 study in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers pooled and analysed the results of a half dozen clinical trials looking at the effects of caffeine on asthmatics.

They found that caffeine produced small improvements in airway function for up to four hours, compared with a placebo, and that even a small dose -less than the amount in a cup of Starbucks coffee -could improve lung function for up to two hours.
In other words, in a pinch, a cup of coffee or strong tea might provide some momentary relief.
But the improvements are very slight, studies show -certainly not enough to make caffeine a replacement for medication. The other problem is that because of their chemical similarities, consuming too much caffeine can compound any side effects of theophylline.

Molecular Structure of Caffeine

As a result, doctors advise people taking that medication to watch their consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate and other foods with caffeine.

Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day

Spinach can be consumed cooked or raw. Baby spinach leaves are especially good in salads with cheese, walnuts, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing. Spinach still has a large nutritional value, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled.

Cooked spinach is an excellent source of iron and calcium. It's more important for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency. Pregnant women are advised to include Spinach in their diet in the first three months for its folic acid contents. Spinach can also help prevent colon cancer. In addition, spinach is a very good source of magnesium, a mineral that can help to lower high blood pressure and protect against heart disease as well. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folic acid, Beta-carotene and several other antioxidants. The Flavonoids in spinach help prevent age related diminishing memory. The Lutein present in spinach helps prevent cataracts. It is low in calories and high in oxalate content. Spinach contains insoluble fiber which protects the heart and other vital organs in the body.

Plums are a very good source of vitamin C. They are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B2 and potassium. In addition, plums are a good source of dietary fiber. Eating three or more servings of fruit a day can lower by about one-third your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Eating plums also reduces your chances of contracting a heart disease in the long run. Plums have certain cleansing agents that keep the blood pure and also prevent complications of the heart.

Plums have high content of Vitamin C, which means it helps protect against health conditions like asthma, colon cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They are a good source of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances are especially effective in neutralizing a particularly destructive oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical, and they also help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats, such as the fats that comprise a substantial portion of our brain cells or neurons, the cholesterol and triglycerides circulating in our bloodstream, or the fats that make up our cell membranes. Consumption of plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thus leading to better blood circulation in the body, which further leads to the growth of healthy tissues. Regular consumption of plums will prevent macular degeneration and any other infection of the eye in the long run. Your eyes will be healthy and strong for long time and you can also retain a sharp eye-sight.

Cherries are a very tasty and nutritious fruit. They contain many vitamins, minerals and compounds which have many health benefits.

Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment in berries, which help reduce pain and inflammation. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants. Cherries contain high levels of melatonin. Besides being an anti-oxidant, melatonin has also been shown to be important for the function of the immune system. The skin of the cherries holds most of the essential antioxidants vital to their health benefits. There is considerable interest, at present in the use of fresh cherries or cherry juice to treat gout, a painful, inflammatory condition affecting the joints. Although a good source of vitamins, they are not as high in vitamin C or vitamin A as fruits like strawberries or blackcurrants but its the presence of other antioxidants and compounds that are responsible for the many health benefits of cherries. Cherries are low in calories, low in fat and contain a high percentage of water.Increasing water consumption will boost energy levels and help increase the metabolism. Many people are discovering the benefits of eating high water fruits like cherries for help in losing weight. Cherries help stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and of the urine and are effective cleansers of the liver and kidneys. Cherries are particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of colon cancer

Cherry tastes sweet and sour. It is used in many deserts, drinks, cookies, cake, pastry, shakes, ice creams, pies, jams and jellies as flavoring. It can be used for gelatin desserts, punch or sherbtet, and has been added as an ascorbic acid supplement to other fruit juices. The fruits may be made into syrup or, with added pectin made into jelly, jam, and other preserves.

The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Apples come in all shades of reds, greens, yellows. Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. Apples are delicious and a natural mouth freshener. Apples are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the incident of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

It is a good to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Most of apple's fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin. Apple juice is good as a nutritious drink but excellent in overcoming a liverish feeling, in helping sort out digestive disturbances and for flushing the kidneys. Many of these health providing properties are retained in cider vinegar, so if you cannot obtain apples to prepare your juice you can use instead two teaspoonfuls of cider vinegar in a glass of water. Apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as several other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They also reduce the risk of heart disease, promote weight loss and controls cholesterol.

Apples are a good source of dietary fibre and vitamin C. Most of the apples fibre is contained in its skin. It contains numerous nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more unfortunately, in conventionally grown apples, the apple skin is also the part most likely to contain pesticide residues. Since pelling results in the loss of its valuable fibre, choose organically grown apples whenever possible. Rinse apples under clear running water like you would any fruit. To prevent browning when slicing apples for a recipe, simply put the slices in a bowl of cold water to which a spoonful of lemon juice has been added.

Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays.
The sources of stress are many and the helpful ways to reduce stress are also plentiful.
Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration.We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.

11 simple steps we can easily take to reduce stress:

1. Define your goals: we must define our life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will support us against stress because we will feel that we know what our life purpose is and why, and that we control our own lives.

2. Take control of your diet: we can use simple ways in our diet plans to reduce stress by avoiding some stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar and we can use chamomile tea as an alternative because of its calming and relaxing effect. We need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow our digestive system to work well. We can use honey as an alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).

3. Take hot baths regularly: after a very busy day or when we feel that we need to relax (I do this three times a week). You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water and the water level should be above the waist, using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.

4. Aromatherapy: in the office you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress.
One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most.

5. Exercise: This is one of the important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring happiness.
When we exercise, our brains release substances which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation; we need engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming.

6. Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathing techniques.
To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing.
Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.

7. Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: we can easily do this after the hot bath to relax even more, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it, then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening -- you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.

8. Massage: this is a great way to reduce stress, I do this when other ways fail, I feel better after receiving a massage. You can get a professional massage or you can simply ask your partner to massage you.

9. Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction. You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace.

10. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions.

11. Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B complex regularly to decrease stress and this has been a great help in my stress reduction.

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful, my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it.

Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

According to an Irish proverb, a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. As far as sleep goes, that may just be true according to three recent studies concluding that good sleeping habits may promote weight loss, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and increase longevity.
In the first study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that although dieters lost the same amount of weight whether they had adequate sleep or not, those who got a full night's sleep lost 55% more body fat than those who cut back on sleep.

The small study followed 10 overweight volunteers on a carefully controlled diet of 1,450 calories for one month. Each participant slept for an average of 7 hours and 25 minutes for two weeks and then 5 hours and 14 minutes for two weeks. When the dieters got two to three hours less sleep, they felt hungrier and produced higher levels of the hormone ghrelin which triggers hunger, increases fat retention and reduces energy expenditures. The result was that they lost more lean body mass than fat.
The researchers believe that had they not been on a strict calorie regimen, the participants would likely have lost less weight, as well as less body fat, during the time they slept less.

In another study published in the Annals of Epidemiology, researchers looked at six years of data from 1,455 people and concluded that those who sleep less than six hours a night may be three times more likely to develop incident-impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), a pre-diabetic state, compared to those who sleep six to eight hours.
The authors believe their study confirms that sleep quantity and quality are strong predictors of type 2 diabetes, strokes and heart attacks.

Finally, a third study published in Sleep Medicine suggests that the secret to a long life may come with more than five hours of sleep per night but less than eight hours. Looking at data from 459 women from the Women's Health Initiative, researchers found that the best survival rates were enjoyed by women who slept 5 to 6.5 hours.
The message from these studies is clear. The quantity and quality of your sleep can powerfully affect your weight and your risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as your lifespan.

7 Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

To insure that you are getting enough good quality sleep, here are seven natural tips for a restful night without prescription sleep aids:

1. Be in bed by 9:30 pm and lights out by 10:30 pm at the latest.

2. Don't drink or eat anything after 7:30 pm so that your sleep is not disturbed by bathroom visits.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

4. Make your bedroom a sanctuary with no television, computer or briefcase allowed.

sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said,
"Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you?
one wish."

The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I
want."

The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous
challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach?
the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will
nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for
me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and?
think of something that would honor and glorify me."

The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish
that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what?
she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what
she means when she says 'nothing is wrong' and how I can make a woman
truly happy."

Research proves that yoghurt is not just a food Accompaniment, a dessert or merely a diet food. There is growing Evidence to show that it is packed with microscopic warriors - Beneficial bacteria that are essential for good health. It is also a nutritional goldmine.

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad , a cup of yoghurt (250 mg) contains 370 mg of calcium (compare that with 300 mg in 250 ml of milk). This is 30-40 per cent of most adults' daily needs.

Besides, at eight grams of protein per cup, yoghurt meets 20-25 per cent of an adult's average daily needs. It is also a good source of Vitamin B (including folacin) and phosphorus. And, a cup of yoghurt contains 250 mg of potassium - almost as much as a banana does.

"If you want to have your own stockpile of B vitamins without having to buy them, eat yoghurt. By a strange chemistry, it sets up an efficient little factory in the intestinal tract and manufactures B vitamins for you," says Pratima Kaushik, chief dietician at the Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Delhi . Besides, yoghurt also provides lactic acid, which aids protein, calcium and iron assimilation.

For those on a low-calorie diet, yoghurt is a boon in any case. "Easily available anywhere, it is a snack that tastes great at any time of the day; it is low in calories and can be sufficiently filling when combined with a high-fibre vegetable or fruit," says Dr Shikha Sharma of Clinic de Rejuvenation, Delhi . The benefits of yoghurt go beyond its nutritional value and low-calorie appeal.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, in an article published in 2000, says, "Increased yoghurt consumption may enhance the immune response, which would in turn increase resistance to immune-related diseases." In addition, yoghurt plays an important role in restoring the digestive tract to its normal condition after a course of antibiotics.

"The drugs often wipe out every bacterium in their path, good and bad, altering the natural balance of the digestive tract.

When harmful bacteria dominate the intestine, essential nutrients are not produced and the levels of damaging substances like carcinogens and toxins rise. By killing the harmful `bugs', Yoghurt helps maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria," Says Dr Mridula Chichra, a Delhi-based gynaecologist.

In the Indian context particularly, doctors and practitioners of alternative medicine often recommend yoghurt to patients recovering from diarrhoea, and help ease other intestinal tract ailments.

Elixir for women

Women stand to benefit immensely from yoghurt. For instance, women are often prone to vaginal candidosis, which causes itching and possibly a thick, white discharge. The risk of this infection increases during pregnancy, diabetes or when a woman is on birth control pills. "Eating yoghurt that contains natural bacteria and yeasts helps re-establish the

Equilibrium," says Pratima. A study conducted by E. Hilton et al (Annals of Internal Medicine) in 1992 found that yoghurt consumption decreased vaginal infections three-fold. "A particular feature of vaginal infection is the reduction or absence of lactobacilli in the vaginal flora. Yoghurt is full of lactobacilli, hence the logic in its use," explains Dr Mridula.

Then of course, there is osteoporosis, especially in women. Studies have shown that most people consume far less calcium than the recommended daily levels, which could cause osteoporosis. While there are many calcium supplements that are not readily or effectively absorbed, yoghurt provides an excellent source of easily absorbed calcium.

That's not all. Daily consumption of yoghurt also helps improve complexion, making it more radiant.

A word of caution, though. The fruited varieties of yoghurt are high in calories, even though it has a low-fat profile. "The jams and fruit concoctions added for flavour can dump in as much as seven teaspoons of sugar per cup and more than double the calories. So go easy on these, particularly when calories are a concern," says Dr Shikha. If you want a fruit flavour but do not want to lose out on calcium or gain calories, mix chopped fruit with yoghurt. You'll get all the calcium, and also the extra vitamins and fibre from the fruit.

However, to be effective, yoghurt must contain sufficient amount of`live' lactic cultures, meaning it must be `fresh'.

Make it at home, is Dr Shikha's advice. Or, when buying it, look for packing as close to the date of manufacture as possible to get maximum beneficial bacteria. She adds, "Always keep it cold, as the helpful bacteria in yoghurt cannot withstand high temperatures."